Press releases

Today, the European Commission published its action plan for the automotive sector. The plan contains some good initiatives to ease consumer access to electric cars but diluting CO2 targets will make them less affordable and less accessible.

Today, the European Commission buckled in the face of strong industry lobbying to water down 2025 CO2 targets, which will mean that electric cars will be less available and affordable for consumers in the coming years. This is the main conclusion of the result of the Commission’s recent Automotive Strategic Dialogue, of which BEUC is a member.

As negotiations on the reform of passenger rights move full steam ahead, BEUC warns that this legislative train is dangerously off track. The Hungarian EU Presidency plans to reach a General Agreement within a few weeks, but the current proposals fall short of adequately protecting consumers. We urge Member States to make decisive changes to ensure consumers can confidently exercise their rights.

Today the European Commission has imposed tariffs of up to 38% on imports of Chinese electric vehicles into the EU. For the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), this move is part of a legitimate bid to rebalance competition in the EU electric car market. It must now be complemented by action at EU and national level to ensure consumers have access to affordable and innovative electric cars.